Why is your Computer so Slow
10 Reasons Why Your Computer Runs Slow
There could be many reasons why your computer is running slow. The important thing is to try to find out why. There is always a reason and it could be a simple adjustment or getting rid of a file fragment or changing something in the settings. The following 10 points are some of the most common causes for a slow computer but there could be many others.
Remember to always consult an expert if you are uncertain.
1. Slow Start up
As you add additional programs, they claim start-up status quickly and quietly. The more programs you have that are loading at start-up, the slower the start-up. The idea is to make sure that only programmes that are neccessary will load up when you start your computer.
Do a back up, or set a system restore point before you begin – don’t forget, “I told you so!” No need to panic! Just follow the steps! Click Start, move to All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and click System Restore, set your criteria.
Next click on: Start, Run, type “msconfig” without quotes then click OK . At the top of the page, click on Startup. Don’t be surprised at what you see if you have never been here before. Use your logical reasoning to select those programs that you do not need at start-up. Uncheck to disable them.
This will not remove this program from your machine; it will just stop it from starting at boot-up.
This can take some time, especially if you are unsure of what you are doing.
DO NOT REMOVE: The Firewall, Anti-virus or anti-spyware programs. Remember, if you do make a mistake, you have your backup or restore available. Be safe, remove them one at a time; you can always put it back. OK the window, and restart the computer for the changes to take effect.
2. Spyware
Malicious programs that quietly embed themselves into your software. They are installed in your software, without your knowledge, in many ways. Through e-mail especially, the ones that are multi-forwarded. You know who sent it to you, but what about all of those other names? Who are they? Through free scans or free downloads. Through Web sites that you visit that specialize in this practice, and music downloads.
These must be removed from your computer before they cause damage to your operating system and applications and bring your system to a halt.
Using your browser, go to www.freeware.com. There you will find many anti-spyware programs. Ad-Aware SE, Spybot Search and Destroy, and Spyware Terminator are three good ones. Run them frequently and keep them updated.
3. The Registry
If your registry is corrupted or bloated, there could be a problem in your future. The Windows registry is the master control center for your operating system and the applications it runs. Corruption or overload can cause: performance problems, including applications at start-up, slow windows start-up, extremely slow shut-downs and a general disruption of system processing. Unless you are absolutely sure of what you are doing, DON’T manually attempt any changes to the registry. If you do go there always do a back-up or set a restore point before you do..
Once again, www.freeware.com. No quotes can lead you to several good registry cleaners and optimizers. Make sure you have a good one and use it after each session. One of the free ones is Ccleaner. It is safe since it has a back-up feature.
4. Badly Fragmented Hard Drive
Over time, your computer’s files can be scattered over your hard drive; this is called fragmentation and a cause for file searches to be slower than usual. Use the built-in tool of Windows to solve this condition and be patient as it runs.
Single click “My Computer,” right click “C” drive, click properties, click tools. Highlight your system drive,(usually C ) then click defragment. While you are there, on the General tab, you have the option to Clean the Hard Drive. Click disk cleanup and select all the items in the window. Follow the instructions and OK your way out. This, along with the defrag, will put your hard drive back in proper working order. While you are there, uncheck the box for “indexing the files” this is another source of slow-up.
5. Poor Security Software
A large number of security programs, and suites, are bloated with software and demand a great deal of system resource and memory. The constant surveillance of your system for malicious ITD’s can cause your system to get sluggish. Yes, system security is essential, but some of the programs have gone overboard with coding and, some of the lesser known, can be a source of system infestation.
These programs we have previously recommended do not fit in this category. Sunbelt-Software’s CounterSpy has been my favorite standby. It is not free, but it is user-friendly with an easily understood interface and more features than many others.
6. Remnants of Uninstalled Programs
There is a program that I recommend, and use, for complete un-installation: Innovative Uninstaller Pro. The writer of this software is consumer-orientated and offers a free test period. In checking in the registry, it does remove the coding and software of an uninstalled program. You merely drop the icon of the one you want uninstalled on the uninstaller icon.
A good start on your way to a clean-up is through RegCure that cleans up previously left behind debris.
7. The Page File
The Windows Page File is a temporary source of memory used by the system in processing functions. It is actually a buffer that is used for “wiggling room.” If your page file is too small, your operating system will not have enough room to move and the result will be poor performance and error messages. If this is your experience, you can increase the size of the page file.
Right click on My Computer and go to “Properties,” click “Advanced Tab,” click “Settings” in the “Performance” section, click the “Advanced” button, click “Change” under “Virtual Memory” Microsoft recommends that the paging file be 1 ½ times greater than the amount of installed RAM. However, Windows can automatically adjust this for you. Select “System Managed Size” then click the Set button. OK your way out.
8. Too Many Windows and Temporary Files
Your hard drive could be crammed with many useless files left over from re-installs, and just general use. To clear these up, you can first refer back to point 4 above and clean your hard drive or click on “Start” then “Run” then enter “cleanmgr.exe” without quotes. Select the “C” drive and click ok. The hard drive clean utility will pop-up and do its thing.
9. Viruses or any ITD
Is this the “tail-wagging-the-dog?” Could be! But by this time, you should be fully protected with a bi-directional Firewall, (the Windows Firewall is only One Way), and a good reliable and up-to-date anti-virus program. Because no individual spyware program can get all of the ITD’s it is important to find a reliable anti virus program and ensure that you update regularly. Bitdefender, AVG, Norton or many others have proven to be effective.
10 Hardware Problems
There are many things that can happen to your hardware: wear and tear, over heating and dust.
Always ensure that you have a free flow of air around your computer and get rid of the dust! You will be surprised how often a so-called serious computer problem is fixed by simply cleaning the inside of the box.
These are the 10 most common reasons for your computer slowing down. They are not listed in any particular order and there could be many other reasons why your computer gives you problems.
Very Important: Always get expert advice if you are not sure. If you do something wrong it could lead to more serious issues. Always have a back up and make sure you set a Restore point before you make any changes.The software mentioned in this article are suggestions only and there are many good packages around. Find the one that suits you best.
A slow computer can be extremely frustrating but by following these simple instructions you coul inject some new life into your lazy computer.
Good Luck!
Thanks to bestsecuritytips.com for most of the information in this article